Alexei Zhamnov speaks after playing the Czechs at the 2022 Olympics

Following the dramatic 2022 Olympic Games match against the Czech Republic (5:6 OT) in the group stage, ROC men's ice hockey team head coach Alexei Zhamnov shared his thoughts with the press.

Head coach Alexei Zhamnov:

- This was a very important match for us, we wanted to show our capabilities in the attacking zone. In our previous games, we didn't have enough players blocking the goalkeeper's view. Today, however, I thought that our players were hungry for goals, they won the neutral pucks on the Czech crease and showed character when 2:4 down. When playing shorthanded against such opponents, you are always going to find it tough. I would like to thank the guys for their efforts in this match, we could have won.

- Are you satisfied with the puck control?

- Yes. After a shaky start, we began to control possession, crash the net and play with confidence.

- Do you expect more from Vadim Shipachyov?

- Of course. I think that Vadim will prove himself in the knockout phase, he will help us.

- How does Artur Kayumov feel?

- He will train on the ice tomorrow. Maybe he will return to the tournament, we will see on Sunday.

- You conceded four goals shorthanded today.

- It's good that it happened today, and not in the knockout stages. We always show the players who compete on special teams how the opponents play. At times, our players were a bit tired and lost concentration. Nevertheless, they all tried hard and played with commitment.